LOWER GI PRODUCTS WITH FIBER ENRICHMENT & SUGAR REDUCTION SOLUTIONS

Over the past 15 years, low sugar or low-GI (Glycemic Index) diets have been associated with decreased risk of obesity, high-blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, most of which are key health issues in the GCC.

GCC POPULATION HEALTH RISK STATISTICS 2020

The Glycemic Index (GI) is a measurement of the impact carbohydrate-containing foods have on our blood sugar levels. There are various research methods for assigning
a GI value to food. In general, the number is based on how much a food item raises blood glucose levels compared with how much pure glucose raises blood glucose.

We rank our foods as being low (1-55), medium (56-69),
or high (70-100) in their GI value on a scale of 1-100 with glucose topping the list at 100. Only foods with carbohydrates have a GI. Proteins and Fats do not.

Commercial GI diets may describe foods as having slow carbs or fast carbs. In general, foods with a low GI value are digested and absorbed relatively slowly, and those with high values are absorbed quickly.

Consumers today have become very label conscious and are often comparing various factors including the GI of their foods to guide them towards healthier nutrient choices.

*Remarks: Lactose Intolerance numbers are excluding Qatar and Bahrain. Gluten Intolerance numbers are excluding Qatar, Oman and Bahrain. Please contact FSL for information on the source of this data.

WHY LOW GI FOODS ARE BENEFICIAL FOR HEALTH?

FSL has developed solutions to address each of these key health factors.

The GCC has some of the highest rates of obesity in the world with 33% of the population suffering from this condition which eventually leads to other health complications such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Obesity
is primarily caused by excessive calorie consumption (particularly from high GI Foods) and a sedentary lifestyle.

Besides obesity, weight gain and weight control are key concerns of most adult consumers in the GCC who are actively seeking products which support their weight management efforts.

A low GI diet or healthy GI nutrients support us by:

✅ Treating Obesity or to control body weight

✅ Blood Glucose control

✅ Cholesterol control

✅ Appetite control

The global obesity average is 13%. GCC is 33%.

BLOOD GLUCOSE CONTROL

In addition to the overall GI of a product, the total sugars present are the strongest predictors of blood glucose response and which will increase the GI of a product considerably. The best method to effectively manage blood glucose levels

is to reduce consumption of calories from sugars. Those with diabetes know very well that this is essential to manage their blood glucose levels.

CHOLESTEROL CONTROL

Trials measuring the impact of low-GI index diets on cholesterol levels have shown consistent evidence that low GI diets containing dietary fiber help lower total cholesterol, as well as low-density lipoproteins (the “bad” cholesterol).

APPETITE CONTROL

Low GI foods contain slow burning carbohydrates which are digested over a longer period of time compared to high GI foods which are digested quickly and cause a rapid increase in blood sugar and a subsequent return to feeling hungry within a few hours. Low-GI foods would, in turn, delay feelings of hunger and help consumers eat less and better manage their weight. The researchers who maintain the GI database caution that the “glycemic index should not be used in isolation” and that other nutritional factors such as total calories, fat, fiber, vitamins and other nutrients should also be considered.

FSL SOLUTIONS TO REDUCE THE GI OF PRODUCTS

FSL offers a diverse portfolio of ingredients to reduce the GI of products ranging from low calorie sugar replacers such as polyols and Stevia to functional ingredients such as Dietary Fibers, Inulin and Fructooligosaccharides (FOS).

Let our experts walk you through the technical and physiological benefits of our ingredients, with market insights consumer concepts and recipes based on the most innovative food engineering.

FSL FUNCTIONAL INGREDIENTS

FSL PRINCIPAL

APPLICATION BENEFIT

Polyols-Sorbitol, Maltitol, Mannitol, Isomalt, Xylitol, Erythritol, Lactitol

Cargill-USA, IFF (DuPont)

Sugar Replacer, Calorie Reduction, No Sugar Added or Sugar Free Product Applications

Litesse-Polydextrose

IFF (DuPont)

Dietary Fiber, Sugar Replacer- Bulking Agent

Fructofin-Crystalline Fructose

IFF (DuPont)

Low GI & Low-Calorie Fruit Sugar without any loss of sweetness.

Citrus Fiber (CITRI-FI)

Fiberstar-USA

Natural dietary (soluble and insoluble fiber) for various food application. Product moistness improvement, Fat reduction, Egg reduction for baking application.

FSL FUNCTIONAL INGREDIENTS

FSL PRINCIPAL

APPLICATION BENEFIT

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), Inulin, Shortchain FOS

Sinopharm- China, Galam-Spain

Highly Soluble Fibers with very Low GI. Offering prebiotic benefits and better calcium absorption. Can also be used as a flavor enhancer, bulking agent and for fat reduction.

Aspartame, Sucralose, Acesulfame-K

Sinopharm- China

High Intensive Sweeteners offering Calorie Reduction, Low GI and Sugar Replacement.

Stevia

Tate & Lyle-UK

Natural High Intensive Sweetener with zero calories.

Fibers, Multi Grain & Seeds, Gluten Free Flour Range, Oat Flakes

Trade Suppliers of FSL

High in Fiber, Low and Medium GI products for bakery applications.

DCPC, White Grape Juice Concentrate & other Fruits Sugars.

GGP-Indonesia, AJM-Spain

Low GI Natural Fruit Sugars

We also offer ingredients to help reduce cholesterol:

FSL FUNCTIONAL INGREDIENTS

FSL PRINCIPAL

APPLICATION BENEFIT

VIVIDOL-Fat Blends containing Phytosterols

AAK-Denmark

Reduces cholesterol levels in the body with phytosterols in various food applications.